By Amy Thrash, Sports Reporter • amy@southerntorch.com (Photo by Amy Thrash)

FORT PAYNE, Ala. —The Fort Payne Wildcats defeated the Buckhorn Bucks, 17-0 on Friday night. Fort Payne is now 4-0 in 6A Region 8 play.

At the end of the first quarter, the game was at a standstill with neither team scoring.

Jordan Bain connected with Carter Pinholster for a 40-yard touchdown with 8:46 remaining in the second quarter. Alex McPherson’s PAT was good, giving the Wildcats the 7-0 lead.

With 9:34 remaining in the fourth quarter, Donald Winchester barreled down the field with a 68-yard touchdown run. McPherson’s extra point was good to make the score 14-0. A few plays into Buckhorn’s possession, the Bucks bobbled a handoff and Fort Payne’s Junior Marquez recovered the ball. McPherson put up the last points of the night with a 33-yard field goal to make the final score 17-0

“Our defense carried us the whole night by controlling the game and field,” said Head Coach Chris Elmore. “Our offense didn’t play great, but we made a couple of big plays that gave us enough points to secure the win.”

Coach Elmore’s Players of the Week are Zach Ridgeway (Defense) and Carson Burt (Offense). Donald Winchester had 104 yards rushing and 13 carries including a 68 yard touchdown. Defense played great with a shut out and held buckhorn to 153 yards of offense. Defense also created 4 turnovers.

The Fort Payne Wildcats will travel to take on the Hazel Green Trojans.